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A tropical depression strengthened into tropical storm Fernand yesterday in the Gulf of Mexico,
the U.S. National Hurricane Center said, though the country’s main oil exporting ports remained
open, according to an official report.

The oil ports of Cayo Arcas, Coatzacoalcos and Dos Bocas were operating normally, officials
said yesterday afternoon. However, Mexican authorities closed the eastern port of Veracruz.

The tropical storm was about 25 miles east of Veracruz and traveling westward at 9 mph with
maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and higher gusts, according to the hurricane center.

It said the storm could strengthen before it makes landfall early today, and could produce
rainfall of up to 12 inches and life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in parts of eastern
Mexico.